"Alcohol: Complications of Problem Drinking." Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco: Learning about Addictive Behavior. Ed. Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt. Vol. 1. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2003. 36-42. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 26 Oct. 2011.
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There isn't any organ , that alcohol does not damage. Alcohol can be poisonous directly to the liver . The number of deaths from liver damage , is very high . Your liver becomes inflamed from the damage of the alcohol . You can also have alcohol hepatitis from it . Once a liver becomes cirrhosis , the liver can never be normal again . This can be very fatal . Alcohol is associated with many mental disorders. Alcoholics are 21 times more likely to fulfill the criteria for diagnosing antisocial personality disorder . Alcohol can also cause depression . Heavy drinkers are more likely to become depressed then people who do not abuse alcohol . This was involved with 50 percent completed suicides . Chronic alcoholism can cause delirium and dementia . When alcohol is consumed daily , for a long time , it begins to destroy brain cells . Delirium is when you have a on-and-off-again feeling of being confused, forgetful, and "out of it" . Dementia is when a person has no control of his or her behavior, thoughts, and ability to remember, understand, and learn . Blood alcohol concentration effects hand-eye coordination, and decision making . Intoxication cause risk-taking and dangerous behaviors . It also affects digestion .

"Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse: Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drinking Problems." Helpguide.org: Expert, Ad-free Articles Help Empower You with Knowledge, Support & Hope. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. <http://helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_abuse_alcoholism_signs_effects_treatment.htm>.
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Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse .
  • Repeatedly neglecting your responsibilities at home or work , because of your addiction .
  • Using alcohol in situations where it's physically dangerous .
  • Experiencing legal problems on account of your drinking .
  • Continuing to drink even though its causing problems with you relationships .
  • Drinking as a way to relax or distress .

"Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Facts, Effects, Symptoms, Signs, Treatment and Diagnosis by MedicineNet.com." Web. 27 Oct. 2011. <http://www.medicinenet.com/alcohol_abuse_and_alcoholism/article.htm>.
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  • Almost 2,000 people under 21, die each year in car crashes , which underage drinking is involved .
  • Signs of alcoholism are the smell of alcohol on the breath or skin , glazed or bloodshot red eyes .
  • Makes people very abusive .
  • Teenagers who consume alcohol excessively have been found to be at risk for abnormal organ development as the possible result of the hormonal abnormalities caused by alcohol .
  • Drinking in excess can lead to the use of other drugs , like marijuana , cocaine , or heroin .

Asenjo, Bill, and Teresa G. Odle. "Alcoholism." The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2006. 102-106. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.
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  • An estimated 30-40% of all men in their teens and twenties have experienced alcoholic blackout, which occurs when drinking a large quantity of alcohol results in the loss of memory of the time surrounding the episode of drinking.
  • Numbness and tingling may occur in the arms and legs .
  • Alcohol causes loosening of the muscular ring that prevents the stomach's contents from re-entering the esophagus .
  • The acid from the stomach flows backward into the esophagus , burning those tissues , and causing pain and bleeding .
  • Heavy drinking results in an increase in heart size , weakening of the heart muscle , abnormal heart rhythms , a risk of blood clots forming within the chambers of the heart, and a greatly increased risk of stroke .

"Alcoholism." The Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders. Ed. Laurie J. Fundukian. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2010. 60-66. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.
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  • Regular consumption of large amounts of alcohol can cause irreversible damage to a number of the body’s organ systems, including the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, the central nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system .
  • Alcohol problems are highest in the 18–29 age group and lowest among adults aged 65 and older.
  • Its emergence in an individual’s life is affected by a number of variables ranging from age, weight, sex, and ethnic background to his or her family history, peer group, occupation, religious preference, and many other categories .
  • Binge drinkers. This type of drinker uses alcohol in an out–of–control fashion at regular intervals. The binges may be planned in advance. This pattern is a growing problem on many college campuses .
  • Social drinkers. Individuals who use alcohol in minimal to moderate amounts to enhance meals or other social activities. They do not drink alone.